john_vance-20806 Reviews

The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)

Works well for me

[8/10 · 23 September 2017]

I've watched this a number of times and always enjoy it. I must admit that I had a crush on Janet Munro that started with the "Horsemasters" Disney series but it's more than just her.

The science is by far the weakest aspect of the film. In summary it's annoyingly implausible. Nuclear weapons are indeed powerful, but that a couple of bombs could tilt the Earth and change its orbital path should elicit a "Hmmm" even for those with little science background. But that weakness is more than compensated by just about everything else.

The acting is top-notch. The crusty journalist role is played by Leo McKern flawlessly. Edward Judd is believable as the talented columnist whose career and life have been derailed by marital failure and alcohol. I don't care whether Janet Munro is good or not, I'll watch her all day long - her premature death was a loss to the industry.

The re-created atmosphere of the frantic newspaper business is excellent. I don't know how it really works but it sure convinced me. It was intensely demanding and competitive, portraying the kind of place where only the most talented and motivated professionals can thrive.

The grimness of the deteriorating environmental conditions may be the most compelling component in this film. The matte work is sub-par, but the misery of the common people shambling listlessly through the heat and dealing with rapidly dwindling resources is captured very nicely. You can imagine yourself there trying to survive while knowing there's not much future for you.

I have no complaints about this film and though it's not cinematic genius it is very well put together. Definitely worth a watch.

North to Alaska (1960)

Great example of the later John Wayne era.

[8/10 · 23 September 2017]

I saw this as a kid and was thoroughly entertained. On re-viewing it 40+ years later I liked it even better.

John Wayne plays his usual rollicking tough-guy-with-a-heart-of-gold role. The man may have not had much acting depth, but within his element he could project an image and deliver a line as well as anyone in the business. I'm sure purists roll their eyes at his lasting fame, but if you want movies that entertain adults as well as the kids you rarely find a dud in the John Wayne collection.

One might presume that Stewart Granger was perhaps too good an actor for this film but he fits right in. He certainly played the part well as would be expected but he seemed to have a great time.

Cappucine. Well, what can you say but hubba hubba. Well, you can also say the woman had some solid chops. She had legitimate comedic skills and though her roles were limited she made the best out of them. Her death by suicide, evidently related to some kind of depressive or bipolar disorder, was simply sad. One has to wonder if with the tools of today it might have been avoidable.

Fabian? Wow, that guy could really grow hair. But in all fairness he wasn't bad at all. He knew his limits and kept well within them. As a result he could contribute meaningfully to a film and not just as eye candy for the teenyboppers.

The film is dated of course. Comedy of this style hasn't sold well since the Newman-Redford productions of the 70s. But for those of us old enough to remember the era this is a worthwhile sit-down.

The Atomic Cafe (1982)

Thought-provoking look back at the cold war.

[8/10 · 2 July 2017]

The older boomers would recall the atmosphere of this era very well.

The belief that nuclear weapons were probably going to fall at any time was accepted as a matter of course. Coming out of the carnage and rubble of WW2 perhaps that was to be expected, but the PSAs and political leaders honed that message to suggest it was not much more of a concern than a flock of tornadoes. "Duck and Cover" ads, back yard bomb shelters, Conelrad symbols on the radios (AM of course), public fallout shelters in the bank basements and other related markers were given little thought.

Younger folks would get a kick out of the over-simplified logic and ham-handed propaganda and be astonished to think that we took it for granted that nuclear warfare was just a dirty conventional tactic similar to the London Blitz.

It is an informative film and very entertaining in its odd way. Worth a watch for interested parties.

Billy Jack (1971)

Not terrible but very topical.

[5/10 · 2 July 2017]

I saw this as a college freshman. Given I was in a rebellious period and my number was up for the draft I reveled in its counter-culture world.

The anti-war movement was in full swing and the hippie movement was still strong. The world was still a pretty macho place where women were exploited by greasy creeps and rescued by strong dark heroes. Parents were war-mongering reactionary throwbacks. Strong, independent women roles like that of Delores Taylor were unusual for its time. If you were a teenager or young adult it would definitely push the right buttons.

It looks pretty silly today. It had an implausible, contrived plot with matching characters that I accepted without question at the time. The "peace through violence" figure of Billy Jack was fundamentally ridiculous but it was sure fun to watch his fighting moves which look far more realistic than later Bruce Lee fare.

With Viet Nam long past and the hippies living in McMansions a younger generation would react with giggling snide contempt and they would be right to do so. I don't think I could watch this now without feeling some some serious embarrassment. I should have known better even then.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Pretty darned good for its time.

[8/10 · 2 July 2017]

I'm not sure if this a true "classic" but it's certainly excellent.

As kid in the 1960s I saw this multiple times on the syndicated "Saturday Night at the Movies". I loved it then and still enjoy it now. The special effects look very weak today and it's bit preachy but the performances, dialog and pacing are top notch. The characters and setting come across as genuine representations of the era without any maudlin melodrama or contrived romantic distractions.

The benevolent desire expressed by Klattu for Earth to join in peaceful interplanetary relationship is strangely offset by the warning of "And if don't do it our way we'll smash you like a bug". I suspect a more nuanced approach would ring more comfortably in our ears today.

In any case, the acting is superb and the movie well-directed. Definitely in the top echelon of film-making.

The Exorcist (1973)

Has held up quite well over the years.

[9/10 · 13 June 2017]

This was the ne plus ultra of horror in its day and deservedly so. The devil is always scary of course, and when properly combined with the ancient ritualistic mysticism of the RCC a real gem can result - and that's what happened with both the book and the movie.

It looks quite dated now. The gore, violence and special effects of current movies make the Exorcist's most ghastly scenes look tame. And there have been so many spin-offs, spoofs and extrapolations a younger generation probably has a hard time taking it seriously. It's kind of sad when a well-done movie becomes a stale cliché but sometimes that's the price of notoriety.

For the current generation, only those who have an eye for extracting the quality of the work from the limitations of the era would find it compelling. But for those of us who saw it fresh, particularly after reading the book, it still packs a punch.

Jaws (1975)

Truly scary, and sadly a cliché now.

[9/10 · 13 June 2017]

This isn't artful movie-making. There's no attempt to combine a deeper human theme with primal fear. This was made to scare your pants off and it accomplished that without a doubt.

Of course it's very dated. The hokey shark isn't the slightest bit compelling compared to the marvelous CGI accomplishments of today. The violence and gore wouldn't elicit more than a "meh" from a pre-teen now. The acting is top notch, but other than Robert Shaw's Indianapolis soliloquy they weren't given a lot to work with.

Today it's a cliché, which is sometimes the price of notoriety, but for those who have an eye for separating the quality of the work from the limitations of the era it's a worthwhile watch.

The Remains of the Day (1993)

Romance, great actors, historical perspective - perfect.

[10/10 · 13 June 2017]

I don't usually enjoy this kind of movie because they often seen contrived and strained. Perhaps you could say that about Remains of the Day but the performances are so good and the cinematography so stunning I have no problem overlooking the deficiencies.

Hopkins and Thompson are both at the top of their games in this movie. They take well written dialog and make it even better. To elicit sexual tension between 2 characters who are worlds apart in their perspectives on life takes real talent, even genius.

I've always been wistfully envious of the lives of those like Lord Darlington. The image of large, immaculate estates with elegant guests and flawless service resonates with me and my conception is perfectly recreated in exquisite detail.

The nefarious political "appeasement" that was a significant contributor to an expansive war is personalized here. Though well-meaning and sincere, the naivete of Lord Darlington and subsequent crushing damage it brought upon him is grindingly sad.

I've watched this movie over and over and never feel I'm wasting my time. Merchant-Ivory productions don't appeal to everyone, but this classic is worth-watching for even the most sour curmudgeon.

The Crawling Eye (1958)

It's got Janet Munro if nothing else.

[6/10 · 10 June 2017]

I have a weakness for this kind of 1950s B-film so I'm biased, but I find it to be among my favorite guilty pleasures.

Having heads torn off by an invisible malevolent force was pretty bold stuff in that era, and showing fairly graphic shots of the separated portions would have been shocking. Forest Tucker and Janet Munro display some fine acting chops in helping to pull off some of the mundane dialog and implausible plot.

Technically, the film lacks a lot. The matte work appears to be unnecessarily poor. Some of the scenes show stumbles that could have easily been re-shot. The special effects of the creatures aren't bad and in that era may have been considered quite impressive, but today they look pretty hokey.

In the end, I'll watch it just to see Janet Munro, on whom I developed a crush during "The Horsemasters" Disney series. She died far too young and was a loss to the industry.

Summer of '42 (1971)

A very different time - not long ago.

[7/10 · 13 April 2017]

You can argue forever about the morality/legality of what's portrayed here. You can roll your eyes over the implausibility factor. But I'm ready to set those aside to drink in a world of far greater simplicity and time for reflection. Simplicity and reflection are anathema for a teenager of today, but Summer of '42 suggests they could use more of it.

The combination of Mr Raucher's book and this movie re-creates a societal atmosphere that characterized American life for 200 years and was swept away in a couple of decades. Our lives today are never off the hook. From childhood to senescence we now exist in a whirlwind of activities and communications that go 24/7/365. There are more texts than we can answer, more entertainment than we can experience and more responsibilities than we can meet.

Hermie and his friends travel in a sphere that is hard to imagine for anyone under the age of 70. No television, far fewer phones, slow transportation. No computers, microwaves, air-conditioning, video games. The city streets weren't chock-a-block with McDonald's and the residential streets weren't jammed with McMansions. What they did have was time. And if you were young, you had lots and lots of time to be filled in on your own.

Hermie thinks a lot about a lot of things. He doesn't have much help to sort out the details of his adolescent angst and confusion, but he doesn't have many distractions either. He's experiencing the same pain and fear of growing up as we all do, but he's got the freedom and space to work through them at his own pace. He's very troubled and uncertain but he's not getting blasted with imagery and information that has little connection with the real world he is going to be facing.

Summer of '42 is schmaltzy, even cheesy, but to imagine a time when a quiet empty field, forest or beach was the norm rather than the exception is an experience to savor.

Freaks (1932)

WOW! or YUCK! I'm not sure.

[7/10 · 20 February 2017]

I really don't know what to think of this film. Nothing like this could be done today except maybe to be viewed on the dark net.

I think you could be either enthralled or revolted by Freaks. It's such a stand alone production that first-time viewers are usually going to be caught off-guard. In any case, it's hard not to have a visceral reaction one way or the other.

Without going into plot details, a portion of the cast is made up of people with severe disabilities or physical defects. Some clearly have very limited mental capacities but others seem to know exactly what they're doing. I suspect that much of this line-up would have been what you'd see in a 19th century traveling carnival side-show.

I'm not easily offended or shocked but I'm a little uncomfortable with what's going on here. Politically correct doesn't really apply, it's beyond that. As to whether it represents inspired, courageous, avant-garde filmmaking or is an example of vomitous bad taste and ignorance is, I suppose, up to the viewer. But if anyone responds with just a 'meh' I suspect their own tastes and social skills are a bit outside the normal.

I suppose Freaks speaks to our human ambivalence in dealing with things that are bizarre, abnormal or revolting. Most of us can't resist at least taking a glance at a book filled with pictures of those with congenital anomalies. Many feel the same way about photos of victims savaged and mutilated by violence or injury. You're glad it's not you, but then turn to the next page to see the next repellent example.

I can't recommend this film but I wouldn't say no one should watch it. Just be a little prepared for something that might be either fascinating or stomach-churning. The response will be a reflection of yourself.

Attack of the Eye Creatures (1967 TV Movie)

OUTSTANDING! (As done by MST 3K)

[2/10 · 19 February 2017]

I like B-grade sci-fi, but this one is even below my standards. I can't think of anything good to say about it but this - if you can find the MST3K production you'll have a great time.

The movie is terrible, but the terribleness can't be fully appreciated until you see Joel and the Robots give their inimitable critique. They nail some rip-snorters out of this one. Sadly, all I have is a VHS version recorded from TV that I ripped onto a DVD (yuck) and I've never found it on any of their compilations. It's disappointing because along with "It Conquered the World" it's my MST3K guilty-pleasure favorite.

As far as the stand-alone movie, forget about it - unless you like really bad directing, acting and unlikable characters.

It Conquered the World (1956)

Fun - but MST3K version is a real hoot.

[7/10 · 19 February 2017]

Hey, it's Roger Corman so you know you're in for a good time if not for cinematic genius.

All the actors/characters in the movie are great in a campy kind of way. Peter Graves, Lee Van Cleef and Beverly Garland (is she cute or what?) take a limited opportunity and work hard to get the best out of it. As has been noted by other reviewers the lines and monologues are a bit, well, umm...well they're just not very good, but they are entertaining in an unintended way. The peripheral acting support is sub-par working with a sub-par script so it's sometimes hard to watch.

The star is supposed to be the monster, but it's appearance makes it a less than compelling threat to the well-being of the planet. The legend is that when Beverly Garland saw the prop for the first time she blurted out "THAT conquered the world?" and promptly kicked it over on its side.

Now if you want to have some real fun, see if you can run down the MST3K version. Along with Attack of the Eye Creatures I think it's one of their most inspired productions.

The War of the Worlds (1953)

Pretty darned good - way better than the re-make.

[8/10 · 19 February 2017]

The original HG Wells story is very well done. Of course the idea of Martian invaders is passé but the writing is superb. Trying to transfer it to film is a challenge. This was quite a good effort.

This was done in 1953 but if you didn't know it you would think it would have been done in the 1960s. The special effects were quite good and there was less of the melodrama that is often seen in 1950s work. Gene Barry did an excellent job as the main scientist and all of the characters mesh well together. There was a consistent level of action and suspense that didn't rely on explosions or violence. Not terrifying by any means but it definitely kept your attention.

The Tom Cruise version had superb special effects but that's about all that was special. This film had all the components of a well-directed and well-acted performance. Most definitely worth a look for aficionados of older sci-fi.

War of the Worlds (2005)

OK but could - and should - have been better.

[6/10 · 19 February 2017]

Although any attempt to hold true to the original HG Wells story would be a hopeless effort the basic premise of the book was quite good. I've re-read it a number of times and still find it enjoyable.

The 1953 Gene Barry film version was pretty darned good for its time. With the contribution of CGI I was hoping this would surpass it. Well, the CGI was great but the rest of the movie not so much. The Tom Cruise character was an obnoxious jerk from the opening scenes and that didn't help but I never liked him much anyway. The CGI effects in the first minutes of the film, however, were excellent and I was quite excited that I was going to see a classic. It moved along pretty well during the next segment of fleeing from the invaders. Then it started to slow down and sort of fizzled away by the end, the victim of maudlin melodrama that even the best acting couldn't overcome.

I think this is a film worth watching, certainly if you're a Cruise fan or just want to see the opening effects. But don't expect anything special after the first 45 minutes or you'll be disappointed.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

A genius denouement.

[10/10 · 5 February 2017]

I'm an old man who's been a fan of horror and sci-fi movies for over 5o years. I'm pretty jaded now and none of the more recent scare-fests have impressed me. They may have a few scenes that get your attention but then they turn into a stomach churning gore-fest or throw in some plot twist that's goofy even for the genre - and that's saying a lot.

I wasn't expecting anything special when I watched Sixth Sense but it immediately got and held my attention the whole way. And perhaps I'm the only person in the world who didn't see the end coming but I didn't and it made for an absolutely fabulous experience. I thought I could no longer be surprised by a horror movie but Sixth Sense let me capture a feeling I hadn't had for decades and gave me hope that it could happen again.

I'm sure there are plenty of things to criticize in this film, but I certainly had no complaints. A straight-up 10 for me.

The Slime People (1963)

Yeah, it's bad, but...

[2/10 · 3 February 2017]

I really enjoy this genre (sci-fy/horror B-graders) but I will have to say this one is pretty much void of any value even to the most tolerant of bad movies.

On the other hand, I have watched it more than once and I'm not sure why. Maybe the buxom, blonde little flirt stirs some primeval attraction in my loins. Maybe the shambling slimeball monsters work for me in some way. Maybe there's a so-bad-it's-good quality to it. I really don't know.

In any case, I can't really recommend anyone shell out any money for it unless it's included in some collection of equally bad films. But who knows, maybe someone else can develop a little misunderstood affection for it as well.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

"Good Shot" Mr Romero

[10/10 · 2 February 2017]

This film was reviled by mainstream critics for its unimaginable gore and violence. Those who kept a Reader's Digest next to the toilet could be informed of its nauseatingly bad taste and poor quality before skipping on to read "I Am Joe's Liver". Catholics perusing a copy of Our Sunday Visitor would find rated as a solid "C" (for condemned as objectionable for all). By no means it is for everybody, but for those who enjoy a good creepy movie it's simply superb.

The settings: forlorn cemetery, empty roads, an isolated farmhouse, drab winter weather - all of these were undoubtedly chosen with the tiny budget in mind but came off as genius picks for location atmosphere.

The actors: total unknowns who were probably paid a fee that wouldn't fill your gas tank today - all spot-on right for the roles.

Special effects: not all that special, but that's what made them work so well. The entrails looked like the cast-off material from a boar hog castration and the extras grabbed them up and gobbled them down with relish.

My favorite character: Sheriff McClelland. That guy deadpanned some of the best lines in movie history (they're all available here on IMDb).

I admit to a weakness for B-movies so my standards are pretty low, but this is no B grade, it's a true cinematic gem. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out.

Titanic (1953)

Stanwick and Webb shine, Wagner charms. Superbly done.

[9/10 · 21 November 2016]

I watched this many times on TV as a kid, mainly interested in the exciting final scenes. When I reacquainted myself with it as an adult I realized how much I missed.

The obnoxiously pretentious and pontificating character portrayed by Clifton Webb makes Billy Zane's later effort look anemic - and Zane did a great job. Stunning Barbara Stanwick plays the kind of magnetic woman that no man could watch walk away without making a last stand. Robert Wagner exhibits the same irresistible rascally charm he still shows as Dinozzo's dad on NCIS.

The scene containing the interchange between the two main stars when Stanwick finally and powerfully plays her "high trump", then turns away to leave an emotionally eviscerated Webb slack-jawed and speechless is a cinematic gem. Each suffer a private Gethsemane in their own way and the sense of loss and bitterness both feel is palpably grim and painful to see. Of course the Titanic does sink and those who die and those who survive are separated with cold, irreversible finality.

The special effects are not that special, even by 1950s standards, but that is not what this movie was really about in the first place. Don't expect the 1996 version, this isn't for kids, it's drama played by 2 stars at the top of their game.

King Kong (1933)

A love-hate relationship with this movie.

[9/10 · 21 October 2016]

I saw this on TV at about age 6 and still remember how frightened I was during the scenes where Kong breaks down the gates to the village and escapes in the theater. No doubt the special effects were superb for their day and they still look darned good now.

But as others have noted, the failure of the human element is painful to watch. Cold, greedy, imperious men treating nature as though it were put there for there personal whimsy. One can always defend such behavior as being part of different era. But if we can see the unjust cruelty so clearly just a few decades later it should have been detectable at the time.

In any case, it is a cinematic classic. Very dated of course, but undeniably a fine achievement. I just wish I could watch it without cringing over how this species we've crowned as "sapiens" can be so blindingly ignorant.

The Last Starfighter (1984)

Watched it with my kids - and by myself. Great fun.

[7/10 · 9 October 2016]

My kids watched this movie over and over on VHS and I will admit I watched it with them pretty often - and even occasionally on my own.

There's nothing special about the plot, characters or special effects, but there was a dream-come-true quality that worked better than usual. I even felt it myself as an adult male. Imagine flying off into space with a beautiful girl after having unexpectedly discovered you had hidden talents that suddenly made you an indispensable hero to the universe. What guy ever loses that dream? Robert Preston and Dan O'Herlihy were superb of course, and that undoubtedly added to the impact.

Modern CGI might make the film look out-of-date to most kids today, but it might be worth giving it a shot. And watch it with them, you might have more fun that you think.

Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

A movie of my era that my sons liked as well. Remarkable.

[8/10 · 9 October 2016]

There aren't many movies that span even one generation as representing good entertainment. Those that do rarely fall into the category of sword-and-sandal, but "Jason" was one of them.

Advanced CGI now makes Harryhausen work look primitive so today's kids probably wouldn't be impressed. Yet this movie that stunned me as a 10 year old still stunned my own sons 25 years after it's release. It required a significant piece of work to do that.

There are plenty of comments regarding the quality of the animation so I won't add to that. I will note that a young person who has any interest in the history and development of film special effects needs to rank this one with "King Kong" and take a look. They won't be sorry.

The Killer Shrews (1959)

I can't recommend it but I really enjoy this movie.

[5/10 · 9 October 2016]

Make no mistake, you'll find no great cinema here. The acting, dialog and special effects are very B-grade. Yet I find it compellingly fun to watch.

Perhaps it is the non-stop drinking that occurs throughout the film that makes me want to join in. Such drab, dour characters sipping martinis in such a drab, dour location fascinates me. One would think scientists would want to be a little more alert in a dangerous situation but apparently they prefer to be well-lubricated. There is one scene that makes me think of "synchronized swigging" and always makes me smile.

The stunning Swedish beauty who should be prancing merrily in heels walks about all droopy and slack-shouldered. Almost as though totally bored with the whole idea that they may all be devoured by ravenous beasts before the break of dawn.

The grim scientist who appears blinded to all but his work only brightens when he holds a tiny shrew in his hand - not with a look of curiosity and fascination, but with a lip-smacking leer suggesting he is ready to gobble it up in one bite.

I pull this out at least once a year with a full supply of my own favorite mind-altering beverage to join in the fun. It makes me wonder if I need to look into AA.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

A little goofy but still entertaining.

[6/10 · 10 May 2016]

This is a not-bad rendering of the Jules Verne classic.

For those who have read the book, the first thing noticed is the excision of the extensive "up-to-date" science that Verne often built into his stories. There is a scientist and his student and they do use a few terms appropriately (there really is a very dense rock known as peridotite and a chemical reagent called aqua regia) but beyond that it's pretty weak.

The expansion of romantic interests and inclusion of female protagonists were obviously necessary to make it a marketable film but it's a little bit distracting. Adding an evil character to complicate the journey would have irritated Verne, but it was useful in keeping the story interesting. On the other hand, the inter-species bromance between the guide and his duck was a little silly when the movie was made and a little creepy today. That they could have done without.

The journey itself was highly entertaining. The sets were very good and the special effects, though terribly dated by today's standards, were compelling. PETA would not approve of the lizard exploitation but it was a cost-effective way to put some monsters on screen.

It's a little incongruous to see the pious Pat Boone cast as beekcake. Stripping off his shirt and cutting off his pant legs to reveal a quite acceptable male body is something that Jerry Falwell would not have approved.

Is it great cinema? No, but it's a decent way to spend a couple of free hours for someone who likes to delve into an older sci-fi genre. Worth a look.

Island of Lost Souls (1932)

Genuinely creepy in an unholy kind of way.

[9/10 · 10 May 2016]

This is a pre-code production and it shows. Even today this movie would get some serious push-back.

There is no nudity or explicit sexual behavior. The physical violence is not extraordinary. What permeates through the whole film is a sense of primal wrongness. Not just that Dr Moreau has crossed the boundaries of nature but that he's done it with prurient cruelty and indifference. He's accomplished something truly extraordinary but he's done it in the wrong way and for the wrong reasons and knows it - he simply does not care.

In a way, this is like an obscene version of Pygmalion or Frankenstein. Instead of the creator loving or at least respecting his creations, he finds even the most successful versions as curious abominations that exist only for his perverse pleasure and twisted curiosity.

It's hard to watch the Charles Laughton's lascivious, leering portrayal of Dr Moreau and not feel truly repulsed. Much as if one were watching Dr Mengele perform his monstrous experiments or Genghis Khan optimizing his torture techniques. I'm not sure I can recall a character so coldly repugnant.

The fear, suffering and resentment of his experimental subjects is palpable and unsettling. Dr Moreau walks in their midst with a sneer of absolute superiority and fearlessness, lording over them what he's done and what he can do again. Their animalistic impulses are only barely contained and they project a cold, primitive rage balanced and checked by Dr Moreau's cold, calculating omnipotence.

This isn't a slasher flick where pretty young girls are savaged by a sociopath. This is evil portrayed in it's most stark and fundamental form - the human without a soul.